Grand View Hat Sai Kaew

Our rating:

Set on a prime patch of Haad Sai Kaew, this large-scale resort has a lively vibe to go with half a dozen different room options.

The resort’s various buildings were added piecemeal over the years: After getting used to the newest rooms in a sleek polished concrete building it can feel like wandering into an entirely different resort when you see the traditional Thai cottages or older superior room block. We still prefer the cottages both for the romantic design and prime location -- expect dark woods, tasteful Thai art and several windows within sight of the beach. The one that we checked out featured wood floors, a soft bed and a still life of bananas in a vase. Further back but still with sea views, slick loft rooms feature polished concrete floors and walls, a huge downstairs bathroom with slate floors and rain shower, and an upstairs bedroom paired with a terrace that doubles as a kitchenette. The cheapest and least inspiring of the bunch, older superior rooms are comfy but forgettable in a two-floor concrete stack. All rooms come with air-con, WiFi, TV, safe and fridge.

Grand View lacks a swimming pool, which is surprising for such a large midrange resort, choosing instead to devote most of its beachfront land to the lively Finale Bar and a large restaurant. Modern hip-hop and house beats thump from a serious sound system as guests relax on orange beanbag chairs or tables set over an enormous deck. The nightlife vibe and lack of a pool means that families with small children might want to look elsewhere.

Actual rates tend to fluctuate so don’t pay too much attention to the fixed rates listed on the resort’s website. When inquiring as walk-ins in March, we were offered low-season rates that supposedly don’t kick in until June 1. Deals can often be scored on the booking sites. While we liked Grand View a little better thanks to the wider selection of rooms and fun atmosphere, the nearby Tonsak Resort has comparable rooms at similar rates. The Grand View group also runs a resort on Ao Cho as well as one on Ko Chang.